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The deal was confirmed by First and Deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness - with the US broadcaster HBO returning to Ulster's shores for the fourth time.

Based on the best-selling fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin, it is a tale of treachery and nobility - with the third series having kicked off on UK television screens this week.

Recording is set to take place in Belfast and other Northern Ireland locations.

Peter Robinson said that securing the filming of series four was "proof that Northern Ireland can host large-scale productions with positive spin-off into other sectors such as tourism".

"Where we can showcase stunning locations such as the Causeway Coast and Glens, Ballintoy, Murlough Bay to name but a few," he said.

Series four will receive funding from NI Screen, supported by Invest NI and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Martin McGuinness said organisers would be focusing on "maximising the economic value of series four and building on the employment levels of the previous series where over 800 people were working on the production".

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